As Alys watched, Talbot blanched and a dark stain spread down the front of his chausses.
“He pissed himself!” Kerwyn declared in disgust.
“Burke, he is not worth killing,” Alys insisted.
She watched her knight’s jaw set stubbornly. “He must pay for treating you thus, Alys. I am not inclined to be indulgent this day.”
Alys guessed that Burke had not had an easy exchange with his mother, though ’twas not the time to ask. “He may have influential ties and the deed may cast a long shadow.”
“He hurt you, Alys, and for no good reason.” Burke drew his blade across Talbot’s throat.
“I had every reason!” Talbot cried. “She could have ruined me!”
“Alys?” Burke sounded as astonished as Alys felt. “How?”
“My uncle thinks Isibeal of Kiltorren is the lady he long sought, and he will think that A
